Burlington High School

Bird remains undefeated after Bi-States championship

by Ed Nadolski Views: 7

Burlington senior beat top competition in dominant fashion

Josh Bird poses with his title in the 138-pound division at the annual Bi-State Classic, a tournament at UW-La Crosse which features Wisconsin and Minnesota wrestlers. (Submitted/Standard Press)
Josh Bird poses with his title in the 138-pound division at the annual Bi-State Classic, a tournament at UW-La Crosse which features Wisconsin and Minnesota wrestlers. (Submitted/Standard Press)

 

By Mike Ramczyk

Sports Editor

Is it possible that Burlington wrestler Josh Bird ever gets sick of winning?

While most grapplers are front row at events watching their teammates, the fact that Bird spends most of his time waiting for the podium keeps him on a small island, albeit a successful one.

But when that island is inhabited by the best from the Midwest, Bird doesn’t flinch.

The 138-pound powerhouse remained undefeated with an impressive showing against some of the best competition from both Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Bird’s tournament began with a pin in only 55 seconds against Lancaster’s Gabe Hudson.

After a forfeit victory, Bird proceeded to major decision Marshfield’s Nolan Hertel, 16-5.

Bird won the next matches, 10-5 and 12-3, and finished with an emphatic statement.

In the first-place match, Bird made quick work of Holmen’s Kalyn Jahn in 58 seconds, improving his impeccable season record to 17-0.

According to Wisconsin Wrestling Online, Bird is the top-ranked wrestler in the state at 138.

The other Burlington wrestlers that placed were Luke Iverson at 120 (eighth), and Jared Bird (132) and Zach Weiler (113), both of whom took 11th.

Weiler totaled three pin falls and a decision and improved to 15-7 overall.

At 132, Jared Bird (16-4) had a pin fall, three major decisions and a regular decision.

Iverson earned a pin in four out of the first five matches.

Comments are closed.